Duck Feathers

Here are some facts about ducks

The current breeding population is estimated to be almost 10 million Mallards are able to take flight from the water almost vertically. With one strong swoosh of their wings, the duck's body is lifted clear out of the water. They quickly go into full flight. Mallards can rise "straight up" 30-36 feet if its necessary to clear tree tops. Once the duck is in flight they can reach speeds of up to 70 feet per second
Mallard Ducks usually have the longest migration of any duck, extending from late summer to early winter. They usually begin their migration back to the breeding grounds in March and April. Female ducks show a strong tendency to breed near the place they were hatched, or near a previous breeding site. Most male ducks never breed in the same area twice. Male ducks are known as drakes. Female ducks are known as hens.
Hens can nest on the ground, among dead grass and reeds, near the edges of lakes and reservoirs, on top of muskrat lodges, and in marshes - sometimes up to a half mile away from water. Hens produce 8-10 light green eggs in a clutch, which she will sit on for 30 days. If the nest is destroyed, the hen can produce another clutch in the same season.
After males abandon their mates, they begin to lose their feathers. This process is called molting. They have one large loss of wing feathers during molting in a plumage cycle. After molting, the birds can't fly for a period of time. The flightless period can last from 18-37 days. In fact, flight capabilities are reduced just before the feathers are lost. Ducklings emerge from their eggs by using a specialized hardened "Egg tooth". After emerging from the egg, the ducklings are allowed to dry completely - then they're led to the water for their first swim. It takes about two months before the ducklings can fly .